NBA Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls

Added on Apr 07, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Playoff positioning and home court advantage in the East will be on the line tonight when the the Chicago Bulls host the Boston Celtics. The Bulls are clinging to a three-game lead over the second-place Celtics with five games remaining on the schedule. A win for Chicago would move them one step closer to securing the conference’s top seed. This marks the fourth and final regular season battle between the two teams, with the Celtics winning two of three thus far. Which contender has the edge? Let’s take a look inside the matchup.

Boston (54-23) versus Chicago (57-20)

The Celtics have been struggling on offense in recent weeks, but their defense continues to play like one of the league’s best, yielding an NBA low 90.8 points per night. However, they’ve dropped two of their last four road games. The last time they traveled to Chi-Town on January 8th, they were abused on the glass 48-27 and by MVP favorite Derrick Rose’s 36 points. Kevin Garnett didn’t play that night, but in the two previous meetings averaged 18.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Having him back in the lineup could make all the difference against the Bulls long front court. Rajon Rondo has been hot lately, scoring double digits in four of five starts.

The Bulls have been dominant at home, boasting a 34-5 record. Center Joakim Noah returned from an ankle sprain on Tuesday night and notched 12 points and four rebounds. He appeared a little out of sync, but will need to be on his game tonight against Garnett and Co. They’ve won four straight since falling to the Sixers at home on March 28th. Rose continues to pace the offense; he’s netted 30-plus in five of his last nine and had his way with Rondo in their last meeting — a 90-79 victory. Rose will get his, but small forward Luol Deng must improve on his 38.1% shooting against Boston this season. The United Center crowd will be rocking in what amounts to one of the biggest games of the season.

The veteran Celtics have a tendency of coming up huge in these spots. Pierce, Allen and Garnett know the stakes are high and should come out swinging. That being said, I like the Bulls’ youthful energy and Rose’s dynamic talents to rise to the challenge. It’ll be a tight, low scoring affair, but look for Chicago to get the W.